Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Program

Distinguished International Scientist Awards (DISCA) and
U.S. Distinguished International Scientist Awards (USDISCA)

Develop Innovative Research Through International Collaboration

Through the Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Program, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seeks to enhance international collaborative research on drug abuse and drug-related consequences. The competitive Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Awards (DISCA) and the Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Awards for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents (USDISCA) invite senior researchers from other countries and NIDA grantees to apply to work together in the most suitable locale for their joint research. The Program allows participants to choose the travel option that works best for their research. If the project would best be conducted outside the United States, NIDA grantees should apply for a USDISCA award to visit their partner's home country. If the project would best be conducted in the United States, international drug abuse researchers should apply for a DISCA award to visit their U.S. partners.

Successful candidates will be highly qualified researchers, and priority will be given to new collaborations. Applicants must propose an innovative approach to projects that fall within the NIDA research mission, clearly define their expected product or outcome, and submit a final report to NIDA.

What Do the DISCA and USDISCA Awards Include?

DISCA and USDISCA awards provide a research exchange visit lasting from 1 to 3 months, depending upon the project requirements; a monthly allowance of $6,500 to cover short-term living expenses in the host country; and one round trip between the home and host cities for the scientist only. Visas and health insurance are the responsibility of the awardee.

Who Is Eligible for the DISCA Award?

Applicants must:

Be citizens or permanent residents in a country other than the United States.

Team with a current NIDA grantee.

Have a minimum of 7 years of experience in drug abuse research beyond the postdoctoral level.

Document a scientific record that includes peer-reviewed publications.

Who Is Eligible for the USDISCA Award?

Applicants must:

Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Be current NIDA grantees.

Have a minimum of 7 years of experience in drug abuse research beyond the postdoctoral level.

Document a scientific record that includes peer-reviewed publications.

When Is the Application Deadline?

Application Deadline: January 1
Award Notification: March 1

The U.S. collaborating researcher or applicant must be a NIDA grantee throughout the award period, and the exchange visit must be completed within 12 months of the award announcement.

What Materials Should I Use To Apply?

Applicants and their research partners should jointly complete the forms and submit them to NIDA. Instruction and application materials for the DISCA and USDISCA can be downloaded from this Web site in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format.